Modular compression device and method of assembly

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part comprising multiple interconnectable bands of compressible or noncompressible material. Optional spine to further interconnect the bands. Interconnectable pieces designed for covering specific body areas. Modular arrangement of the individual components. Customized or off-the-shelf availability of the apparatus.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/975,590 filed Oct. 28, 2004 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,663,144), whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/555,150 filed Mar. 22, 2004.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/975,590 and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/555,150 are both hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND The Background Art

Excessive interstitial fluid accumulation, referred to as edema, mayarise from a variety of illnesses and conditions, including venousvalvular insufficiency, postphlebotic syndrome, and lymphedema. Controlof this edema by reduction of interstitial fluids is important toincrease PO2 delivery to tissues, relieve pain from swelling, anddecrease risk of infection. Decreasing drainage of fluid from sores,skin breaks, and/or ulcerations promotes wound closure, prevents woundbreakdown, and decreases risk of blood clot formation in veins.

Thus, it is desirable to have a customizable or off-the-shelfcompressive device that can be readily available for application to abody part to prevent excessive fluid accumulation resulting from avariety of diseases and maladies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of a modular compressiongarment according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a band used in the modular compressiongarment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a break-away view of the compression garment of FIG. 1including one embodiment of a spine used for connecting a plurality ofbands such as those shown in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are alternative embodiments of a modular compressiongarments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a footpiece for use with a modularcompression garment.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a liner for use with a modular compressiongarment.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an order form for ordering a customizedcompression garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to treatment of edema and, morespecifically, to a device for applying compressive pressure to aperson's body in order to facilitate reduction of interstitial fluidsfrom a body trunk and/or limb extremity and to provide support andfatigue relief.

It is to be understood that the present disclosure provides manydifferent embodiments, or examples, for implementing different featuresof various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangementsare described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, ofcourse, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Inaddition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/orletters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose ofsimplicity and clarity and does not, in itself, dictate a relationshipbetween the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.Moreover, the formation of a first feature over or on a second featurein the description that follows may include embodiments in which thefirst and second features are formed in direct contact, and may alsoinclude embodiments in which additional features may be formedinterposing the first and second features, such that the first andsecond features may not be in direct contact.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present disclosure applied as alower limb compression garment 100. In this embodiment, the lower limbcompression garment 100 includes several bands 102 that are ofadjustable size by way of attachment mechanisms 104 for conforming, inthe present embodiment, to a human leg 106. The lower limb compressiongarment 100 also includes an anklet 108 for conforming to a human ankle.

It is understood that the present invention is not limited to use withthe leg, but can be used in various limbs and trunks of humans. It isfurther understood the invention is not limited to humans, but may applyfor veterinarian use such as for a horse, dog, or other animal. Forexample, another embodiment may be used to compress an entire leg or armof a human or a leg of a horse or dog. Various embodiments of thepresent disclosure may also provide for maximal access to a portion of alimb. These embodiments may have the compression band 102 over theaffected area on top, with the proximal and distal compression bandsunderlapping. This may allow removal of a compression band or bands 102over the affected area, while not requiring removal of the entiregarment. Thus, the rest of the garment 100 may remain therapeutic whilethe area is accessed.

1. The Bands 102 and Attachment Mechanisms 104

Referring also to FIG. 2, the bands 102 may include an inner layer 114and an outer layer 112 with optional elastomeric compression materiallayer 110. In one embodiment an elastomeric loop material 112 such asShelby Elastics Mon-3 or WonderWrap (Shelby, N.C.) may be sewn onto abacking of elastomeric fabric 114 such as Schoeller® Prestige 58012(Sevelen, Switzerland). The elastomeric fabric 114 may be sewnon-the-bias so as to provide more stretch. For higher compression for agiven amount of stretch, the fabric 114 may be sewn not-on-the-bias.Therefore sewing a highly elastic loop fabric 114 onto the backing ofthe material 110 may alternate percentage stretchability and alternatethe compression gradient, based upon material selection and if it issewn on-the-bias or not on-the-bias. Sewing such elastomeric fibers 114on-the-bias may allow more stretch but less compression. For example,sewing the WonderWrap on the Schoeller fiber on-the-bias may result in a20-30% elastomeric range with good compression. Sewing the WonderWrap onthe Schoeller fiber not on-the-bias may result in a 15-20% elastomericrange with more compression. This way several embodiments can be easilyengineered to provide different common classes of compression such as8-15 mm, 15-20 mm, 20-30 mm, 30-40 mm, or 40+mm. This may allow thegarment 100 to be applied lightly or tighter and more therapeutic. Ifapplied past the range of the therapeutic stretch, then the compressionapplied may be directly proportional to that the user applies.

In other embodiments, a thin semi-compressible layer 110 is providedbetween an inner layer 114 and the outer layer 112 of the bands 102.This layer 110 may be made of polyurethane foam such as Rosidal Soft(Lohmann Rauscher Neuwied, Germany). Such foam would ideally by 0.3 cmthick, although other ranges of thickness 0.05 cm to 5 cm are possible.The layer 110 may include particles made of compressible, highresiliency, low density, open cell plastic foam. Such particles groundup and of different particle sizes and shaped particles can create areasof high pressure areas and intersecting networks of low pressure areasat the seams. Use of such particles for compression garments is known inthe art and sold as the Tribute™ (Solaris Inc. Brookfield, Wis.). Othermaterials for the compressible layer 110 may include rubber, plastic airbubbles, foam air bubbles, or non-convolute foam. The semi-compressiblelayer 110 may have channels sewn in them to create lines of naturallymph flow or criss-cross pattern. Alternatively, in other embodimentsthe foam may serve as the inner layer with a loop-compatible fabric orelastomeric material as the outer layer.

In still other embodiments, the bands 102 may not be multi-layered, asdescribed above, but consist essentially of elastomeric yarns, forexample, PowerNet™ nylon or nylon/spandex, ComfortWeave™polyester/spandex, Clearspan® spandex manufactured by Radici,Dorlastain® spandex manufactured by Bayer, Lycra® spandex manufacturedby DuPont, and any other spandex yarn, or special woven cotton fabricssuch as Comprilan® short-stretch bandage, manufactured by Beiersdorf AG.Another elastomeric compression material that may be used is Lovetex®Industrial Corporation Breathe Freely (Taipei, Taiwan). It is understoodin the spirit of the disclosure that any suitable elastic material maybe used and is not limited to those listed above. In the presentexample, the chosen material would be in a range of 15% to 100% elasticstretch, although other ranges are anticipated.

In still other embodiments, the band 102 may include the elastomericsemi-compressible layer and a thin outer layer of Velcro® (hook andloop) compatible fabric. Such a garment may be sold as a reusable,semi-disposable, or disposable garment. For example, as single-useembodiment might be sold sterile and for application directly aftersurgery on an affected limb in order to control swelling and preventwound dehiscence, or to allow selective access postoperatively to accessdirectly over incision or wound, while leaving rest of garment in tact.Other single-uses may include general hospital use or as outpatientclinic or home use in order to reduce or control interstitial edema.Alternative uses may be to hold a bandage or medication against a limbmember.

The attachment mechanisms 104, which is connected to or connectable tothe bands 102, allow the bands to interconnect to one another. Theattachment mechanisms 104 can be of various types such as hooks, snaps,buttons, and glue/adhesive, and some mechanisms for some bands 102 maybe different than those for other bands on the same garment 100. In theexample of FIG. 2, the attachment mechanisms include a hook-and-loopfastener, such as a Velcro® strip. Each band 102 may fasten to itself insuch a way as the user can apply the band under compression and it willhold the compression against the body part. The hook of thehook-and-loop fastener may be sewn onto one end of the band and the bodyof the band or a portion thereon may have the loop material.

In this embodiment, some or all of the exterior surfaces 112 of thebands 102 may include elastomeric loop material. The material thereforemay interlock with the hook material of the attachment mechanisms 104and/or a spine (discussed below). The use of loop material along theoutside layer 112 of the band 102 allows each band to apply to a widerrange of compression. Also, the use of elastomeric loop material mayallow the dual function of attachment to the other end of the band,which has hook material, as well providing active compression.

In varying embodiments, the bands 102 interconnect to each other in atemporary, semi-permanent, or permanent manner. The connections may usechemical, thermal, or mechanical bonds. Mechanical temporary andsemi-permanent bonds may include hook and loop, snaps, button andbutton-holes, or ties and eyelets. Mechanically bonded permanentattachments may include methods such as sewing and stapling. Chemicalbonding includes methods such as fabric glue and super glue. Such glueis well-known in the art and used extensively in the industry forupholstery, furniture, and other products. Other forms of chemicalbonding include tape adhesive such as PEELnSTICK and the acid-freeacrylic double-sided adhesive SuperTape (Therm O Web, Wheeling II).Thermal bonding may include iron-on interfacing, ultrasonic welding ofcompatible components, or thermal melting of compatible components oriron-on interfacing. Such iron-on interfacing may for example includeone or more layers of HEATNBOND® Ultrahold (Them O Web, Wheeling II).Some of the bonds (e.g., hook and loop) allow the garment 100 to bereused many times. Other bonds (e.g., fabric glue) may allow the garment100 to be reused only a certain number of times. For example, the fabricglue may be reusable for a period of days, but afterwards may loose itsadhesion properties. Still other bonds (e.g., thermal welding) are for asingle use.

For example, a lower perimeter 114 a (towards the foot in the presentembodiment) of the interior layer 114 may include a relatively soft hookmaterial. The soft hook material 114 a may overlap on the band 102immediately below, thus interlocking between the adjacent bands andproviding additional stability of the device. Alternatively, an upperperimeter 112 a (away from the foot in the present embodiment) of theouter layer 112 may include hook material. The lowest band may attach toloop material sewn onto the anklet 108 or attach to the elastomeric loopband at the top of the footpiece. In some embodiments, there will be nosoft hook material at the facing edges of the bands and the bands willsimply overlap each other with the lowest band overlapping an anklet orfootpiece.

Small geographic symbols may be drawn or printed on each band 102 whichwill change shape in a characteristic way when the proper compression isapplied so that the user knows the prescribed therapeutic compression isbeing applied. Such symbols are well known in the art, and are appliedcurrently to short-stretch bandages such as sold by SSL InternationalPLC under the trade name of Setopress (London, England). In anotherembodiment, material color or material markings will differentiatedifferent bands of varying levels of compression.

2. The Spine 120

Referring now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the bands 102 are joinedtogether at a spine 120. The bands 102 can be joined to the spine 120 invarious manners, and in the present embodiment they are sewn together.The spine 120 may comprise non-elastic or elastic material. There may beno difference in bulk or therapeutic application of this embodiment.Furthermore, the bands 102 may be partially or completely sewn together.In this embodiment, the bands 102 and spine 120 may be separatelypre-manufactured, and then sewn together once measurements are made ofthe affected limb. By modifying the degree of overlap of the bands andthe number of bands, a wide geometry of limbs may be fitted. The anklet108 (FIG. 1) may be sewn to either or both of the spine 120 and theadjacent band 102.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the spine 120 extends both on an inside(adjacent the leg) and outside (external) of the lower limb compressiongarment 100. In furtherance of the example, the spine 120 includes hookmaterial 122 for engaging with loop material 124 on the bands 102 (theloop material can be on both the inside and outside portions of thebands). An outer layer 126 is also provided, which may be eitherrelatively stiff or rigid, which can facilitate the assembly and fittingof the lower limb compression garment 100, or may have elasticity whichcan facilitate the movement of the lower limb compression garment oncein place.

Other embodiments may use one spine, one on the inside or one on theoutside. Other embodiments may forego the spine as the hook-and-loopfastener or other connective means lengthwise centrally in each band 102and overlapping may provide adequate connection to hold the devicetogether as a single unit for application or storage.

In some embodiments, the spine 120 may also serve to connect the anklet108 (FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the bands 102, spine 120, and/oranklet 108 can be attached using other mechanisms, such as glue oradhesive, snaps, or buttons. Furthermore, the spine 120 can be sewn orotherwise segregated into increments 128 so that it can easily be cut orshortened, as needed. For a lower limb, the spine may be 12, 13, 14, or15 inches in length with increments, although single lengths of spinefor different uses are within the scope of the present disclosure. Foruse as an upper limb compression device, for example, the spine maypreferentially go the entire length of the arm along the outside edge.This may necessitate a longer spine and such permeations are within thescope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the spine may wrap aroundfrom one side to the other to allow for attachment of excess length orfor additional stability of the device. Additionally, it is understoodthat other modular configurations exist within the scope of the presentdisclosure, such as any other attachment of the spine to the compressionbands or method of attachment of one band to another. These may includebuttons, snaps, zippers, or other methods of attachment.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in another embodiment, there are two bands,designated 102 a, 102 b, for each band “level.” These bands 102 a, 102 binterconnect to each other and/or the spine 120. The spine may includeslits 120 a to assist in interconnection of the garment 100. Theinterconnectivity of the spine 120 to the bands 102 a, 102 b may be anymethod of mechanical, chemical, or thermal. In yet another embodiment, asingle band (102, FIG. 1) can be fed through the slits 120 a to positioneach band on the spine 120.

Referring to FIG. 5, in yet another embodiment, the spine 120 includeshorizontal slits 120 b and an optional cover member 129. The bands 102fit against the spine 120 and may or may not attach at positions 122 afor the spine and 112 b for the band. The cover member 129 can then beweaved in and out of the slits 120 b in order to hold the bands againstthe spine. The cover member 129 may attach just at the ends, or mayattach at locations between each band 102. Again, any interconnectionsmay be temporary or permanent and may include mechanical, chemical, orthermal bonds or a combination thereof.

Not all of the bands 102 need to be similarly constructed. For example,one of the bands in FIG. 5, designated with reference numeral 102 c, isformed as a chevron, connecting with the spine 120 at the apex of thechevron. Such shape of a band may be desirable to create a moreergonomic angle on the limb. Such angles are preferably appliedperpendicular to the skin, with more angle around the upper and lowercurves of the calf than the rest of the garment. Such angles may varyaccording to limb geometry and garment size. Also, different bands canhave different levels of elasticity. This would allow the garment 100 tobe placed in different scenarios, such as over a bladder used forpneumatic pumps for preventing deep veinous thrombosis. Also differentlevels of compression can be provided for bands 102 nearer the ankle (orwrist, or shoulder) than further away from the ankle. This selection ofa specific elasticity can therapeutically treat edema or decreasing veinsize to prevent blood clots.

Furthermore, bands 102 can have different amounts of compressions andexpansion, either compared to each other or different amounts along theband itself. Using different levels of compression may be desirable fordifferent garments. Further, graduated compression may be accomplishedby using bands of various levels of compression in the same garment. Forexample, generally more compression may be desired in the ankle portionand less proximally for a leg compression garment. By using differentband composition to vary the stretch, different levels of compressionmay be achieved. In another example, a band may have less stretch in theportions that intersect the spine 120, and more compression near theends that are used for the locking mechanism 104. Thus, an assembleddevice can therapeutically apply varying levels of compression. When theuser feels that the band no longer stretches, then the compressionbecomes different and proportional to the tension placed on the band.The user can thus learn to “dial in” to this difference and so morereliably and predictably apply the desired level of compression. Byvarying the length and width of a band and/or the composition of theband, any desired level of compression can be created in the band.

3. The Anklet 108

Referring again to FIG. 1, the anklet 108 can be configured as a sock orstocking, being relatively thin so that a shoe can be worn over thegarment. In one embodiment, the anklet 108 is made of a syntheticstretch-fiber fabric such as a Lycra® brand material. In someembodiments the anklet 108 may or may not fasten to the rest of thegarment 100. For example, a compression anklet can be used and placed inposition with, but not attached to, the garment 100.

Referring now to FIG. 6, in another embodiment, a footpiece 130 can beused as a different kind of anklet. In one embodiment, the footpiece 130includes an inner sock-like member 132 of cotton/Lycra blend and threeouter bands 134 a, 134 b, 134 c of elastomeric material. Other materialsand construction can be chosen in order to alter the compression levelof the device. Construction may be made of same materials and layers asin FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the material may be an elastic ornon-elastic material and of one single layer or many overlapping layers.

The three elastomeric bands 134 a, 134 b, 134 c are arranged so that thefirst elastomeric band 134 a fastens over the forefoot, the secondelastomeric band 134 b is angled at approximately ninety degrees to thesurface of the midfoot, and the third elastomeric band 134 c is fastenedparallel to the back of the Achilles. In the present embodiment, thethird elastomeric band 134 c is unique from the other two in that it canattach in place across, or across and downward onto the dorsum of thefootpiece. Thus the design is unique in that it allows to fit a varietyof foot sizes and to apply variable compression as desired to be mosttherapeutic.

The footpiece 130 also includes a single band 134 c sewn in place in themiddle with both free ends with sewn hook material. The hook materialmay be fastened circumferentially across just below the ankle, or mayreach down toward the forefoot and across to the opposite side, forexample. The flexibility of this band allows a number of geometries tobe accounted for. In one embodiment, the band is just over three incheswide. The length of the band may be any desired length for therapeuticuse. For example, lengths of 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches, 12 inches,14 inches, 16 inches, and 18 inches, or other lengths are possible.

4. Stockings and Liners

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, a stocking liner 140 may be provided underthe garment 100 to reduce itching and minimize effects of overlapping onthe skin. The liner can extend the entire length of the garment 100,including any ankle 108 or foot piece 130, or may cover only a portionthereof. The liner 140 can be formed of a cotton/Lycra® blend or othermaterial and may have a foam lining. The foam lining may include sewnchannels to follow the body's natural lymphatic drainage lines. The foamlining also may have foam with stitches or carved portions to create awaffle-like pattern in order to facilitate lymphatic drainage in theun-compressed portions. The thickness of such a liner 140 may be quitethick, such as can be achieved with the JoviPak UE-P-AG1 (Tri-DCorporation Kent, Wash.). The foam may include a granular-type material.A fabric cover may also be included on all or part of the foam lining.

Referring also to FIG. 7, the liner 140, shown here being used with anarm compression garment, would have a multiplicity of pressure-applyingresilient protrusions, or high pressure areas 142 and channels 144 therebetween. The channels 144 potentially facilitate lymphatic drainagewhile reducing interstitial edema along the high pressure areas 142. Theliner 140, which may be constructed similarly to commercial productsknown under the brand JoviPak, Tribute™ or Komprex II, may be a cottonor blended material with thicker woven fabric as seen in manycommercially available socks.

Another embodiment of the liner 140 may include one or two layers ofcotton or cotton/Lycra blend or another similar woven or formedmaterial, with semi compressible material woven between the inner andout layers of the liner. The liner 140 may also include the channels 144which are in the form of sewn pockets with openings 146 for insertion ofa semi-compressible insert 148 to form the high pressure areas 142. Suchan embodiment may have distinct advantages over other commerciallyavailable liners since it may be much thinner but with similarperformance. This allows more comfort for long-term wear and improvedbreathability of the liner 140. The liner 140 may be designed for aspecific use, but may have additional uses under other commerciallyavailable compression devices, such as The Cinch (Innovative MedicalSolutions, Seattle Wash.), ReidSleeve (Peninsula Medical Inc., ScottsValley Calif.), short-stretch or medium-stretch bandages, CircAid (SanDiego Calif.) or other commercially used products for treatment ofedema, venous and lymphedema. The insert 148 is preferentially thin andless than 1 cm, although larger sizes may also be desirable.

In another embodiment, foam padding can be positioned in-between theliner 140 and the straps 102. The foam padding can be used to reducelymphedema. One possibility is to use dense foam such as Komprex foam(Lohmann Rauscher Neuwied, Germany). In this embodiment, the foam is cutinto small squares of 0.25 cm to 2 cm along each side. These squares mayor may not have a pyramid shape facing the inner layer. Thesepyramid-shaped areas massage the affected area during wear and can breakup fibrotic areas, effectively reducing lymphedema long-term.Alternatively, one solid piece of foam with a grid but out on one sidemay achieve the same function. Other foam padding includes JoviPakMulti-Purpose pads (Tri-D Corporation Kent, Wash.) or other commerciallyavailable products such as the Jovi Le-C-Advi sheet foam liner. Suchpads are sewn chips or pieces of polyurethane or similar foam and may ormay not have channels sewn into place.

5. Business Method

Referring now to FIG. 8, the garments 100 discussed above can beprovided in response to receiving a customer order form 200. The form200 includes an order information section 202, a shipping informationsection 204, a billing information section 206, a measurement section208, and a measurement guide 210. A customer can obtain and fill out theform 200 where measurements are taken of key components of the affectedlimb. If the place of assembly for the garment 100 is the same as theplace of sale, then the measurements may be compared to pre-stockedcomponents and the proper number and type of components can be selected.The modularity of the garment 100 facilitates a sales facility in havinga reduced inventory yet still being able to provide a highly-customizedsolution.

Furthermore, the amount of overlap of bands may be varied to accommodatea variety of leg lengths. In one embodiment, the bands 102 are just overthree inches in height, and each lower limb compression device may have4-6 bands, one to two spines 120, and a footpiece or anklet 108. Sincethe spine 120 may be modular, one spine may accommodate an arm or alower leg. Other spines, such as for an entire lower limb device, mayalso be provided. In another embodiment, the spine 120 may include amaterial backing with iron-on interfacing. This will allow quickpermanent assembly of a plurality of bands 102 with or without ananklet. This customization can be done at the time of measurement of theactual limb, or can be done at a remote location using the measurementform 200.

In some embodiments, one or more of the bands 102 can be overlapped andconnected (e.g. sewn together) prior to delivering to a doctor orpatient. In other embodiments, some or all of the garment 100 can besterilized prior to delivery.

Some embodiments of the form 200 can include information that wouldallow a doctor or provider to custom select certain bands 102 fordifferent purposes. For example, different levels of edema (e.g.,minimal, extreme) can be addressed by selecting an appropriateelasticity of the bands 102. Also, the height and/or weight of a patientcan factor into the selection of band size, placement (e.g., moreelastic bands near the ankle) and composition. The bands 102 can includea marker such as a position number that will indicate their placement onthe spine 120.

The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments according toaspects of the present invention. Those skilled in the art shouldappreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basisfor designing or modifying other processes and structures for carryingout the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of theembodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should alsorealize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spiritand scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make variouschanges, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from thespirit and scope of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for treating an elevatedconcentration of interstitial fluid in a body area of a patientincluding a plurality of bands with interconnecting portions.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the bands is elastic. 3.The apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least one of the bands is inelastic.4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an ankle stocking orfootpiece.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a kneestocking or knee piece.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprisingan elbow stocking or elbow piece.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a liner.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the linercomprises a granular foam.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the linerincludes one or more from a group including foam and fabric.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the bands are configured to supportinterlocking.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the interlocking isachieved through at least one of either a thermal bond, a chemical bond,or a mechanical bond.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least twoof the plurality of bands are permanently secured together.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12 wherein the plurality of bands are sewn together.14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the plurality of bands are weldedtogether.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein weld is selected tomaintain the plurality of bands for a predetermined number of uses. 16.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is for single use. 17.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the bands assemble in a single-useconfiguration.
 18. A method of providing an apparatus for treating anelevated concentration of interstitial fluid in a limb of a patient, themethod comprising: receiving measurements of predetermined components ofthe limb; selecting a plurality of bands according to the measurements;assembling the selected plurality of bands; and providing the assembledbands to the patient.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising:selecting one of either an ankle wrap, a knee wrap, an elbow wrap, or awrist wrap; and assembling the plurality of bands with the selectedwrap.
 20. The method of claim 18 further comprising: selecting one ofeither a foot piece, a knee piece, an elbow piece, or a wrist piece; andassembling the plurality of bands with the selected piece.